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Skills for Logistics gearing up for the future
The UK logistics sector is estimated to be worth some £74.45bn to the economy and here in Northern Ireland its activities are vital to the well being of the entire population, not only in terms of employment, but in every other aspect as well.
Virtually everything that comes into Northern Ireland arrives on the back of a truck, is transferred to a warehouse and then distributed to a final destination. The logistics industry here employs around 41,000 people; it is an industry that the Province couldn’t survive without.
It’s been described as ‘the invisible sector,’ one that we all take for granted, but that is all set to change – if the organisation called ‘Skills for Logistics’ has its way.
What is ‘Skills for Logistics?’ It works alongside companies involved in moving, handling or storing goods. The organisation's job is to raise awareness of skills issues within the sector and to offer support and practical advice on all aspects of improving skills and training.
It operates in four regions of the UK – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Plant & Civil Engineer’s David Stokes recently caught up with the National Manager here, Geraldine Quinn to find out more...
You’ve been with the organisation now for just over a year, so how did you get involved and what is your role?
I am from an accountancy background, having worked and lived in both London and Australia. I was involved in the Belfast Traders Forum before becoming Head of Policy for the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland.
My role with Skills for Logistics is to work with employers and a variety of relevant organisations to develop skills and improve training.
There is a lack of qualifications and training within the logistics sector; it isn’t a highly recognised industry in Northern Ireland, yet it is a vital industry.
Plus, most of the businesses are family owned and run, and training and development do not rank high on their agenda, so that presents us with a challenge; we have to create a demand among employers for training, and once that is achieved we can then develop programmes specific to their needs.
So, just how extensive is the logistics industry in Northern Ireland?
It is one of the most hugely misunderstood sectors. It is, if you like, the ‘invisible sector,’ but it is responsible for the direct employment of more than 27,000 people, and taking into account other logistics related businesses, the total stands at almost 41,000. That represents 5.5% of all employment in the Province, so it has a very significant role in terms of the local economy.
Wholesale activities sector account for 62% of all workplaces within the Skills for Logistics remit, while freight transport by road accounts for a further 28% of the workplaces. Those are companies registered for VAT, but we have a lot of very small one man operators who will boost that figure.
What changes do you envisage and what do you believe is needed to sustain and develop the industry here?
There is no doubt the introduction of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence next year will re-shape the whole of the industry in Northern Ireland. For the first time ever, employers will have to invest in training, and Skills for Logistics will be heavily involved in promoting it and ensuring the resources are in place to deliver that training; currently there are only two local providers registered to deliver, but we need more.
It is estimated that there are 12,000 people in Northern Ireland requiring this training; indeed, a far greater proportion of the logistics workforce compared to other sectors in Northern Ireland has no qualifications or are qualified to under NVQ level 2 standards, so there is a fantastic business opportunity there for forward thinking and appropriately qualified individuals and organisations.
So how will you meet those challenges?
We are currently working on a five year action plan. One of the main areas we need to work on is at schools level. That is why we are setting up an Occupational Study for the Transport Industry at GCSE level. It is a development that is unique to Northern Ireland and could eventually be replicated in other parts of the UK.
It will give young people an insight into the industry, give them an idea of just what is available within the sector in terms of employment and careers. There are a lot of opportunities available within the industry, starting off as an operative, then moving up into middle and senior management. It is a fast paced, fast moving industry that offers a wealth of career choices and can involve overseas travel.
There are many career opportunities available at a variety of levels within logistics which is a message that needs communicating to potential employees.
What sort of skills shortages are there at the moment?
At the moment the biggest shortage is in warehousing. A lot of positions here are presently filled on a temporary basis by foreign nationals, but for the longer term we need locally qualified personnel.
There is also a shortage of good, skilled drivers, and with vehicle technology changing all the time this is an area in which qualified people can really excel. Employers tell me the wages are good, and with shift work involved, there are opportunities to create a sensible work/life balance.
Logistics currently suffers from a misguided perception that it is a poor industry in which to develop a successful career path, but it is far from that and my role is to demonstrate the positives and improve the image projected by the industry.
So what is Skills for Logistics doing about it?
We have been working with employers to provide what we call a ‘Professional Development Stairway.’ Essentially, it is a career framework for the industry establishing logistics as a positive career option with prospects for progression.
It has been proven that a well motivated, properly trained and qualified workforce increases productivity, reduces absenteeism and enhances retention.
This Autumn we hope to have a Ministerial presence at a Skills for Logistics event in Parliament Buildings, Stormont, and this will also help raise our profile and get more employers and potential employees interested.
Where would you like to see Northern Ireland in terms of its logistics industry in five years time?
For the first time ever, transport is being placed on the school curriculum. That is an achievement. In the long term, I would like to see a Logistics Academy being established here, a Centre of Excellence for Logistics, a one-stop shop where employers can call in for advice and information about training, legislation and other relevant matters and issues.
At the moment, it is all too fragmented and it can frighten off employers. There is plenty of training out there, but it is not tailored to the logistics industry. That needs to be addressed, and it is being addressed. |
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